Day 26
Here's an update from Sandy Valentine (Phil's wife): Life on the Trail Phil crossed the 200 mile mark today, ending at mil 209.8 and Ice Water Spring Shelter. He hiked 10 miles in 7.5 hours in cold, rain, fog, and was pretty frozen when we chatted around 6:30. Wasn't looking forward to a night in the shelter - his spot was in middle of 8 other people on lower part of a 2 level shelter. Seems as though drinking and drugging not all that unusual at the shelters. He's enjoying h
100 Miles!
A vista from yesterday. Hit another milestone today - 100 miles!! Finished today at Winding Stair Gap (mile 109.8) after 12 days of hiking. The last 4 nights - rain/wind/40's, then wind/snow/ice/high 20's, then deep freeze in the teens and finally a raging thunderstorm last night. But the sun still manages to shine. #AT4Recovery #AT2015 #ATthruhike2015 #AppalachianTrail #philvalentine #appalachiantrail #NorthCarolina
Day 4 Neel Gap
Neel Gap
Phil traveled 7.5 miles today. Up and over Blood Mountain. Phil said that coming down was very similar to coming down the switchback of Mt. Monadnock for those who are familiar. Neel Gap has an REI, and he bought a new lighter pack, and is shipping home his old one, with the GoPro and his pillow. Thinks he's dropping about 12 lbs of weight. He said he figured this is a "hiking trip", not a "camping trip". And that the change will help him make it through the end.
10 Days by Sandy Valentine
It's only 10 days until Phil hops on a plane to Georgia, and officially begins his adventure. Each day this week, he adds another item to the table of supplies he started. Each time I wonder what item will be the first to go when he's worn that pack a few hours.
I also wonder - who will I blame when the tp roll isn't changed? Who is going to clear the driveway a la the winter that never ends? Who is going to remind me "trust them (kids) til they give us a reason not to"? Wh
Walking With Dad by Samantha Valentine
On March 19, 2015, my dad will embark on the longest walk of his life. A 2,180-mile trek, passing through 14 states along the Appalachian Mountain range, my dad will walk from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. I could not be more proud. This may be the hardest thing my dad will ever do, but it certainly will not be the only difficult thing my dad has journeyed through. Five years ago, on March 19, 2010, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 oropharyngeal cancer – c
A Message from Sandy Valentine
In the fall of 2010, Phil began talking to me about a calling to walk the Appalachian Trail. I’d like to say that this is the first time Phil approached me with the idea of walking across the country, but it is not. Flashback to fall of 1992, Phil and I had been dating for about a year. We had rejected all the conventional wisdom from AA sponsors. The message to Phil – “You should not get into a relationship the first year following a divorce.” The message to me – “You should
Welcome!
#appalachiantrail #recovery #hike #cancersurvivor
Spreading Recovery
If you'd like Phil to visit your center or speak to the media in your area please email chiara@ccar.us #recovery #appalachiantrail #hike #media #messageofrecovery #adventure
About the APPALACHIAN TRAIL
The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest continuously marked footpaths in the world, covering roughly 2,180 miles. The Trail travels through 14 states along the crests and valleys of the Appalachian Mountain range from the southern terminus at Springer Mountain, Georgia to the Trail’s northern terminus at Mount Katahdin, Maine. It is estimated that 2-3 million people visit the Trail every year and approximately 1,800–2,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the Trail. The A.T.
The Game Plan
Watch this video to find out what Phil's plan is. #philvalentine #recovery #appalachiantrail #hike
